UPS Air Ramp Agent
Role Based in Costa Mesa
Role Essentials
- Based in: Costa Mesa, CA (our growing Costa Mesa office)
- Job Title: Air Ramp Agent (Gig/Contract)
- Pay: $22-$26/Hour (approx. $50.2k/Year)
- Join our Costa Mesa team for this flexible role.
- Benefits: A competitive compensation package is offered.
- Company: UPS
- Urgency: Immediate consideration in Costa Mesa.
- Core objectives involve your professional skills in Air Cargo Logistics.
- This Costa Mesa-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our UPS team in Costa Mesa, CA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Costa Mesa, a key hub for the Air Cargo Logistics industry.
About UPS & Our Culture
UPS Airlines is one of the largest cargo airlines in the world, and every flight it operates is kept on schedule by the elite Air Ramp teams who load and unload aircraft under strict departure windows. If you are seeking UPS warehouse jobs with an aviation dimension — where your work directly impacts whether a Next Day Air package makes its flight — our Air Ramp Agent positions represent the most high-stakes and prestigious tier of warehouse jobs in the entire UPS network. These are logistics careers built at the intersection of warehousing and aviation operations.
What Our Team Says (Employee Reviews)
"Working on an active aircraft ramp changes how you think about warehouse work entirely. The pressure of an aircraft departure window focuses everyone's mind in a way no standard warehouse job can replicate. UPS provided all my ramp safety and security certifications at zero cost, the union wages are among the highest I have earned, and the pride of knowing a UPS 747 took off on time because of your team is genuinely extraordinary." - Current Air Ramp Agent, Louisville, KY.
Role Overview & Responsibilities
As a UPS Air Ramp Agent, you operate within UPS's air gateway facilities, loading and unloading air cargo containers and bulk-loaded aircraft under strict FAA safety regulations and hard departure-time deadlines that cannot slip.
- ULD Loading & Unloading: Build and break down Unit Load Devices (ULDs) — air cargo containers — packing individual parcels to maximize load density while keeping total container weight within FAA-approved limits for each aircraft type.
- Aircraft Ramp Operations: Drive and operate specialized ramp equipment — aircraft loaders, tugs, and belt loaders — to physically transfer loaded ULDs between the warehouse and the aircraft under active ramp safety protocols.
- TSA Security Compliance: Verify TSA screening documentation for every package entering the air cargo stream, maintaining strict chain-of-custody records and reporting any security anomaly to the ramp supervisor immediately.
Benefits & Perks
UPS Air Ramp Agents earn a premium aviation-ramp differential on top of the Teamsters base wage. All required FAA, TSA, and airport authority certifications and badging are fully funded by UPS. Full Teamsters medical, dental, vision, pension, and the Earn & Learn tuition program are included from day one of union eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the UPS Air Ramp Agent position pay at UPS?
This role offers a pay range of $22 - $26. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Costa Mesa.
Where is this UPS Air Ramp Agent job located?
This position is based in Costa Mesa, CA. UPS has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Costa Mesa.
What benefits does UPS offer for this position?
UPS provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does UPS offer tuition assistance or education benefits?
Yes, UPS offers fully funded tuition reimbursement programs. Eligible associates can pursue degrees and certifications at no cost through programs like Career Choice, covering tuition, books, and fees.
Does UPS provide training for new hires?
Yes, UPS provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
What does a typical day look like as a UPS Air Ramp Agent?
A typical shift involves receiving, picking, packing, and sorting customer orders in UPS's Costa Mesa facility. You'll work with a team to meet daily fulfillment targets while following safety protocols.
